5 Essential Oils You Can’t Live Without

In the world of essential oils, your choices are many. It can be confusing to sift through them all and figure out which ones might be most beneficial to you. This post contains 5 amazing essential oils that you just can’t live without and can be used in your every day routine.
Essential Oils have been around for centuries proving themselves to be an integral part of a natural beauty and natural healing routine.
Each essential oil you come across typically has numerous benefits with people finding more and more uses, it seems almost daily. The five listed in this post are no exception. Their far-reaching benefits are so wonderful and I’m excited to share them with you.
The History of Essential Oils
Records date the discovery of essential oils back to as early as 659. From China to Egypt to Assyria, essential oils have been used for healing, perfumes, and even as aphrodisiacs. In addition, Native Americans used the fragrant sage and cedar on hot rocks in sweat lodges.
More recently in history, during her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth used essential oils such as neroli, rose, cinnamon and jasmine.
It’s quite apparent that the use of essential oils is proven to be a wonderful addition to any all-natural enthusiasts arsenal. That being said, let’s dive right into a few of the must-have essential oils you need in your own collection.
Sidenote:
When purchasing essential oils, quality is key. Many times oils get diluted, thereby reducing their ability to work at optimal levels. Choose oils from a reputable company for the best results.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has to be one of my favorite oils. The versatility is outstanding.
There any many types of Lavender with the most common being Lavandula angustfolia.
From treating wounds to purifying the air and calming the mind, the benefits seem almost endless.
This oil is collected from steam distillation of the dried flowers and it makes a great topical essential oil. Lavender essential oil is known for it’s ability to reduce scarring, alleviate headaches as well nervousness and muscle spasms.
Similarly, it can decrease stress, help with skin blemishes and respiratory issues and even deter insects. Lavender essential oil is considered an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, calmative, decongestant, and anti-viral. This oil pairs well with other essential oils such as Sweet Orange, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Bergamot, Tea Tree, Chamomile, Jasmine, Geranium, Juniper, and Sandalwood.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree essential oil is on the list of must-have essential oils due to it’s amazing ability to help with acne. This tree is native to Australia and in the Myrtle family. I have found this oil to be great for the skin as well as being an excellent addition to an all-natural cleaner.
The oil itself comes from steam distillation of the twigs and leaves. As far as a topical oil, I have used this oil for years in many DIY Beauty products. I do recommend using a carrier oil when applying topically. I also don’t recommend applying into deep wounds. Ouch! Also, this particular oil is quite toxic to cats.
Tea Tree essential oil has a unique smell. It’s woodsy and clean and seems to bring an alertness to the mind. Primary uses for Tea Tree include skin application and diffuser blends. This spicy scented oil is considered an antifungal, anti-bacterial, antiviral, decongestant, and immunostimulant. It’s used to treat acne, parasitic infections, sinusitis, fungal infections, dandruff, and even sunburn.
Tea Tree pairs well with Lavender, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Lemon, Peppermint, and Tangerine.
Try This!
Spot Acne Treatment
• 2 oz Distilled Water
• 1 oz Witch Hazel
• 1/2 tsp Safflower or Coconut Oil
• 4 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients into a roller ball vial, replace stopper and gently shake. Apply to affected area once or twice daily.
3. Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba essential oil is not one of the more common essential oil one might come across but it is indeed a highly valuable one. Copaiba is a tree that is indigenous to the rain forest.
It has small, white flowers and grows up to 90 feet in height. The extraction process is a little different than many other oils.
The trees are tapped for the resin inside and this resin is what is used through steam distillation to make the essential oil. Obtaining the oil in this manner prevents trees from being destroyed which is fantastic for the environment.
What makes Copaiba essential oil a must-have oil is the fact that it seems to heighten other oils. It has its own qualities but when added to other oils, the results of those oils appear to be intensified. Furthermore, Copaiba is found to be an analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-bacterial, stimulant, and expectorant.
One of the most interesting things about this particular essential oil, is that it has been found to to treat H. Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) a dangerous bacterial infection. Copaiba essential oil pairs wells with Chamomile, Black Pepper, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Thyme, and Myrtle.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Ah, the wondrous Peppermint essential oil. The smell of peppermint is a treat for the senses providing an uplifting feeling. I love breathing in the familiar scent of this oil.
There are many varieties of peppermint and when making the essential oil, the entire plant is used in the extraction process. Native to the Mediterranean and currently produced in the United States, this plant is easy to grow and has a plethora of benefits.
Peppermint essential oil can bring about an alertness to the mind while calming it at the same time.
This amazing oil treats aliments from skin abrasions to stomach issues. In fact, I have put a single drop under my tongue to calm my upset stomach. Again, please use your oils with caution. Other incredible uses include being an insect repellent, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and decongestant.
Not to mention, many people use this oil for treatment of depression, respiratory illness, mental fatigue, cramps and muscle pain. That being said, this oil should be avoided during pregnancy and is considered unsafe for children under 7 years of age.
Peppermint essential oil blends quite nicely with Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Bergamot, Cypress, Tea Tree, Tangerine, Clove Bud, and Basil.
Related Posts
• DIY Calming Toner
• Lavender Frankincense Vegan Lip Balm
5. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil is a cheery, refreshing oil. While the origin of the plant isn’t definite, it’s thought to be a hybrid that was introduced from the Caribbean into China.
Comparatively, this plant is currently grown all over the Untied States. This oil from this citrus fruit is obtained by cold expression and usually the entire fruit is used, rind and all.
Grapefruit essential oil is full of therapeutic properties and uses. Just the smell of this citrus oil makes me smile. One of my favorite things to do is sprinkle it around my house to brighten my day. Grapefruit essential oil benefits include helping with muscle fatigue, obesity, headaches, physical exhaustion, and stress. In the same fashion, this oil is great for acne, colds and flu, and hair loss.
If you’ve applied this oil topically, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sunlight for at least 12 hours. That being said Grapefruit essential oil pairs well with Rosemary, Lavender, Pine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Chamomile, Fennel and Geranium.
I hope you’ve found this post inspiring and beneficial. I love essential oils and sharing them with others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alicia is a wife and mom who firmly believes that sharing is caring. She loves sharing her knowledge with others in hopes of inspiring them to live their best life now. She also loves spending time with her family at home or away. Her blog is filled with faith, inspiration, essential oil information, and wellness.